Bhubaneswar, November 14: Naveen Patnaik, former Chief Minister and BJD president, congratulated Jay Dholakia on his victory in the Nuapada by-election and expressed hope for "meaningful development" in the region. Patnaik wrote on his X handle, urging Dholakia to honor the mandate and prioritize the people's welfare.

In a veiled critique of the BJP's alleged misuse of government machinery during the election, Patnaik emphasized the need for fair elections, stating that the Election Commission of India must ensure transparency. He reaffirmed BJD's commitment to defending the rights of Odisha's people, drawing inspiration from Biju Babu’s legacy.

Patnaik also expressed gratitude to BJD leaders, workers, and supporters for their dedication during the by-election campaign. BJP’s Dholakia won with 1,23,869 votes, defeating Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi by a margin of 83,748 votes, the highest in the recent by-polls. The BJP’s victory boosted its tally in the Odisha Assembly to 79.